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This one will surprise you!
We know in work and life there are ups and downs. We know things don't always go to plan - even though we write lots of important Plans and To Do Lists (or Redo-To-Do-Lists!).
And we know there is a lot written and researched about the importance of 'MINDSET'.
So, rather than reading yet another self-help book to help reaffirm our strengths and gaps, let try a little experiment!
This approach is just based on observing and learning from real-world situations. It's just a little theory I am testing in different situations. Be warned - it may have profound insights in how you think, so tread carefully!
This little 3 day experiment works on the theory that when you do you opposite you see the positive and negative outcomes better.
3 STEPS - 3 DAYS
Day 1 - be NORMAL. Your baseline.
As in, just go about your day as your normal self and change nothing. Grab your phone and write a few notes in your notes app to record - a) what went right? b) what didn't? and importantly, c) how you felt throughout the day / how was your mindset?
Be aware of the people you interact with throughout the day - your partner, family, friends, colleagues - how that affects your mindset through the day. And the topics - work, home, the past, the future.
Day 2 - be NEGATIVE about everything.
Be really negative about everything. As in everything! From the moment you wake up is a negative thought, a negative action - just be consciously negative about everything.
eg. it's sunny today - damn, so hot!
eg. nice coffee - so expensive!
eg. no meetings - how am I going to fill my day?!
Be aware of the people you interact with throughout the day - your partner, family, friends, colleagues - how that affects your mindset through the day. And the topics - work, home, the past, the future.
Again, capture your notes in your phone about, a) what went right? b) what didn't? and importantly, c) how you felt throughout the day / how was your mindset?
Day 3 - be POSITIVE about everything.
That's right, make every single thought and every single action only positive. As soon as any form of negativity creeps in, turn it into a positive. Remember this is just a little harmless experiment, so roll with it. Even if this feels completely unnatural to you, just try your best to see the positive in everything throughout the day.
Eg. my coffee is cold - make it easier to drink
Eg. its raining again - what a great day to sit inside and catchup on things
Eg. my day is full of meetings - a great day to connect with colleagues
Be aware of the people you interact with throughout the day - your partner, family, friends, colleagues - how that affects your mindset throughout the day. And the topics - work, home, the past, the future.
Again, capture your notes in your phone about, a) what went right? b) what didn't? and importantly, c) how you felt through the day / how was your mindset?
Review your last 3 days
Pause and reflect on the last 3 days very honestly to yourself. What were the Top 3 take-aways from each day?
What did you observe from Day 1 - just being normal?
1)
2)
3)
What did you observe from Day 2 - just being negative?
1)
2)
3)
What did you observe from Day 3 - just being positive?
1)
2)
3)
Conclusion:
Overall, what self-learnings came out of this little experiment?
Did you find it hard to be negative? - perhaps this has helped you see things from someone that struggles some days, even with depression.
Did you find it hard to be positive? - perhaps this has helped you see how hard you are on yourself sometimes, or how a touch of positive thinking can help reset your day.
Take-Aways
If you are normally a more positive person (glass half full), then you may have struggled being negative for a whole day! This would have been really hard for you. But you c/would have learnt a few things about mindset for you and for others.
If you are normally a more negative person (glass half empty), then you may have struggled being happy for a whole day! This would have been really hard for you. But you c/would have learnt a few things about mindset for you and for others.
What do next?
After doing this for 3 days, your self-awareness level of a positive / negative thought or action should be heightened. So in the coming weeks, be a lot more aware of your mindset and use the power of your mind to guide you to a more productive / useful way.
Of course, if this only reinforced you are in more than a rut, then maybe it's time to seek some professional help or talk to someone about it. Life is too short to put up with things. That first step could make all the difference.